Who can get it

on a low to middle income (the amount depends on your family situation)

a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

You should also normally live in New Zealand and intend to stay here.

You may also get the card if you have refugee or protection status or have applied for refugee or protection status.

If you cannot get the Community Services Card you may be able to get some other type of help for your health costs. Ask your pharmacist about the Prescription Subsidy Card or your doctor about a High Use Health Card. Our brochure below has more details.

If you have a Community Services Card and are transferring to NZ Super then your current card can be used to its expiry date, but you will need to reapply when it expires. NZ Super is counted as income and you need to update your income details.

This information is a guide only. Contact us to talk about your individual circumstances.

If you paid the full costs for General Practitioner consultations and prescriptions because you didn't have your Community Services Card, a High Use Health Card or Pharmaceutical Subsidy Card with you when you went for treatment, your payment could be reimbursed back to you.